If you’ve been injured on the job, you may have heard that you can file a workers’ compensation claim by simply filling out some paperwork and confirming some medical information – no muss no fuss. Each state has its own workers’ compensation practices and protocols so, yes, technically in some states you can file a workers’ compensation claim with minimal effort or guidance. With that said, unless you only expect to be out of work for a few days and you’ve been diagnosed with superficial injuries only, it’s generally not a good idea to file a workers’ compensation claim without first consulting with a lawyer, like a workers’ compensation lawyer from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt. Once you’ve been injured on the job, you may only have a matter of days before you’re barred from seeking compensation under state law. As a result, it’s important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney right away.
Why Seeking Legal Guidance Now Is a Good Idea
When someone is injured in an automobile accident, they are generally required to give a statement and supporting documentation to one or more insurance claims adjusters. The claims adjusters then evaluate the information they’ve been given and ultimately assign the accident a value. The accident victim is then paid compensation in accordance with that value. Workers’ compensation claims work much in the same way. Workers’ compensation claims adjusters can’t figure out how much compensation to award you until they understand the nature of your injuries, how your injuries were caused, and what kind of rehabilitation, missed work days, and medical care you’ll ultimately be required to navigate as a result of your injuries.
Workers’ compensation programs don’t have endless resources to dole out. As a result, claims adjusters are often encouraged to value claims in ways that don’t risk exceeding the compensation that work-related injury and illness victims are due. This approach often leads to the undervaluing and/or outright rejection of legitimate claims. Speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney before you submit your paperwork will better ensure that your claim is structured in such a way that it will be valued fairly and (assuming it is a legitimate claim) approved without delay. In the event that your workers’ compensation claim is, despite your best efforts, undervalued, rejected, or otherwise compromised by “red tape.” An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will know how to appeal, negotiate, persuade, and otherwise advocate on your behalf as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Legal Assistance Is Available
Given that you’ve been injured on the job, you likely want nothing more than to focus on healing and getting back to work. Speaking with an attorney can seem like one more hassle associated with your injuries. However, speaking with a lawyer proactively may actually save you a great deal of stress and money down the road. Please take a few minutes to schedule a confidential appointment with an attorney today.
